Apparatus



c. H. LEACH REFINING APPARATUS Feb. 14, 192s. y

1',v 1923 3 sheets-sheet 1 Original Fil'd Feb. 2

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Fem, 1923- I5 Sheets-Sheet 2 c. H, LEACH REFINING APPARATUS Originral Filed Feb. 1,4, 192s.:

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C' H' LE^CH Re. 16,878 www@ ,muws v original Filed Feb.21, 192:5 s .sheets-sheet 5 Feb. v14, 192s.

Reissued Fb.,14, leze.

j UNITED STATES PATENT o FFICE.

CHARLES H. LEACH, F NEWTON lHIGIHIIIANDS', MASSACHUSETTS.

BEFINING APPARATlIS.

` original No.`1,604,179, dated October 26, 1926, Serial 110-620,522. led February 2l, 1923. Application for 'reissue led December 30,

The present invention relates to oil refining apparatus and more particularly to condensing apparatus cmplo ed in conjunction with apparatus for distil ing crude or partially refined oil. V-

One object of provdea new and improved form of condensing and cooling ap aratus which insures an accurate control o temperature during I" the passage of the oil vapor through the ap aratus, permitting the condensed va or -to )e fractionated and products having ifferent boiling points to be separated and withdrawn from the apparatus.

A further object of the invention is to provide a condensing and coolinmapparatus which utilizes the heat extracted lfrom the oil va or in thev condensing o eration in a useful) manner, preferably or elevating the temperature of the charge oil which is subsequently assed through the refining stills.

A still il apparatus of this general. character with the intent of `particularly adapting such apparatus to oi refining operations. With these and other objects in View, a feature of thepresent invention contemplates the provision of selectivel controlled channels or passes by means o which the paths of the' cooling medium.may be varied as desired, the construction also permitting the employmentof two or morecooling medums of a different character if necessary. M A further feature of the resent inven-v tion contemplates the provision of a plurality of demountable and interchangeable units of different ca acities enclosed within a receiving shell o such a desi y that a `variety of combinations of units o different capacities may be mounted within-the same shell, permitting the ap aratus tohe modified in a manner to success ully handle the eon-v ldensation of oil vapor under different working conditions. y f 1 A further feature of the invention consists in a construction 'by virtue of which condensate pockets orbasins are formed for the collection of liquid and are made readily oe accessible without disconnectingthe various .liquid connections, and in additionl the inte.- r'ior of the cooling tubes is rendered accessibleeior cleaning purposes without dismantling the apparatus. i Y

Still further features of the invention conthe present invention is tou'ther object of the invention is to reorganlzcand lmprove heat exchange.

temperature. The vapor resulting condenser receiving 1926. Serial No. 158,119.

scription.

In the accom anying drawings illustrating the preferre form of the invention, Fig.

1 represents a. section in elevation vof a condenser embodying the novel features of the invention; Fig. 2 is a top plan view ofthe apparatus withthe cover plate removed; Flg. 3 is a section upon the line 3 3 o f Fig.

. l and showing the )supporting means for the lower ends of the tubes, together with the discharge outlets 1 for the condensed vapor; 4 is a idetailupon the line 4-4 of Fig.` l; and Figs. Y5/ and 6 represent a longitudinal section. and transverse section respectively, showin a modified form of construction for varymg the path of fiow 0f the cooling effect. The illustrated embodiment of the invention is preferably employed in a system comprising four .continuously operating stills with a condensing and cooling apparatus for each still. The charge oil employed for cooling and condensn the vaporfrom the still may be pumped t rough the four separate eondensers in seriesv before deliver to the first still in the battery. In the rst still, a `portion of the charge oil is evaporated and the oil thereafter is delivered to succeeding, stills, .which operate at a progressivel higher partial evaporation of this oil is delivered om the 7 Re.' 16,8718 'I rom each still to a condensing and cooling unit, and isthereafter guided through a seriesof vapor' passes, encountering vcooling tubes during its passage therethrough. Owing to the character of the vapor passes rand the `.designtand arrangement of the cool- 'ng tubes, the vapor tem erature is progressively lowered and at di erent points in the va or asses condensate of different boiling points 1s collected. vThe cooling and condensation of the vapor is accomplished by a series of banks of cooling tubes through which charge oill is caused to pass p rogressivel,` startlng at the condenser receiving the col est vapor andv finall assing through the l v e lottest vapor,the oil being'delivered therefrom to the` first still in the series'. In certain cases it may be desirable, in order to accomplish the Vfinal con-A lil) densation and cooling of steam, fined gases and air, to substitute for the charge oil a efficient cooling mediuinbut in a ditioncon- 'hottest still,

serves the heat abstracted from the vapor which, under normal conditions of operation, is wasted. In ordinary practice where the condensers are employed 1n conjunction with continuously operating stills, the oil vapor may enter the condenser at 300 F. from the coldest still and 650 F. from the In each case the oil vapor is completely condensed, leaving only air and a certain proportion of fixed gases to be `discharged at a temperature of less than F. On the other hand, the'charge oil ma enter the coldest condenser at 90 F. an after passin through this condenser, Vtogether with t ie succeeding condensers, may 'be discharged into, the first Still within a few degrecs of the vaporizing temperature. In order that the temperature of the fixed gases and air may be reduced to a minimum and also that varying quantities of steam may be successfully condensed, a relatively small quantity of cold water may be employed as a cooling medium in thelaststa sof con-f densaton. vAs this cooling me lum is employe-d for'the condensation of steam, it is possible to heat the water to a oint at which 1t ma be successfully used aout the refining p ant, and in so doin the heat may be conserved at a considerabe saving. Y In this connection it will be evident to those skilled in the art that different refining processes and diilerentgrades of oil require different quantities ofv steam for agitation of the oils in' the stills, and this steam is eventually delivered to the condenser with the oil vapor. In order, therefore, that the condenser may successfully handle the condensation of varyin quantities of steam, itis highly desirab e that an adjustment of the water and charge oil passages be provided for, in order that the water may be made to ass throu h a larger proportion of the coo ing tubes 1nthe condenser and the charge oil a correspondingly smaller portion of the tubes, if so desired. A further advantage of employing charge oil for the cooling medium is due to the presence of uantities of water in the charge oil. In or inary processes of refining, this water upon entering the stills is suddenly converted Iinto steam, creating a.

pressure so great that the relief valve with fire hazard. In the presentv apparatus the sequently delivered to the stills -without creatin sudden pressure and with no cessation in t e operation of thestill.

The improved apparatus shown in the drawings com rises generally an enclosing shell, indicate at 10, of substantially rectangular form. This shell is open at opposite ends and encloses a seriesof banks of cooling tubes, indicated generally at 12. lThe lower end ofA the shell is closed b a supporting base member 14 of rectangu ar shape,

which is securely connected to the shell throng flanged connections indicated at 16 and 1 The base member is providedwith atransverse web 18 which forms a sin le unitary support for the several banks o tubes in the condenser. As indicated, the web is provided with a series of openings 20 within which the lower ends of the tubes are received and secured in the usual manner. Each bank of tubes at its upper end is connected into a separate head, indicated at 22, i

the head being closed by a detachable cover 24 which seals a. passage 26 communicatin with the open upper endsof eachv bank'o tubes. The head connectedy to the upper end of each bank of tubes is separate and independent of each of the other heads, and has no mechanical connection .with the `-other heads or the enclosing shell, the heads being supported entirely by the tubes themselves.

The lower ends of the-tubes extend through the web 18 and'communicate with a series of chambers or channels 30 .formed in the base member through the rovision of intev gral partition walls 32. Tl e assa e of the vapor around the several ban s o tubes is controlled by upper and lower baiiie plates,

indicated respectively at 27 and 28. These 'i 18 of the base member 14, these bale plates c -aiding` in the formation of separate' coinpartments or chambers .'within which the condensate is collected. The u er baes 27 ane connected at opposite s1 es to the shell through similar angles 34, and extend from between adjacent 'floatin `heads downv wardly part way through the ell in a manner to control the fiow of roil vapor and vto leave open a continuous but tortuous assage therefor. In this construction the oi vapor to be condensed enters throu h a nozzle 40 connected to the sideofthe s ell 10, and is,

- tnally passes over the last bank of tubes,

indicated at 50, the temperature of the vapor at the point of dischar e bein lowered to below T0o F. It will ie evi ent to those skilled in the art that the expansion and 'contraction of the different banks of tubes, owing to the widely varying temperatures of these tubes during the operation of the condenser must necessarily vary. I -nasmuch as it is desirable as a matter of design to make the tubes in each bank comparatively y long, it will be further evident that the Thereafter the cycle 'is repeate through a de ivery nozz total difference in expansion of each bank of tubes, due to variation of temperatures, will assume considerable proportions. By virtue `of the present construction, in which thev lower ends ,of the several banks ,of tubes are connected to a sin le unitary base, whereas the upper ends of t e tubes-in each bank are connected to separate and independent heads, the un ual contraction and expansion of each ban of tubes is readil accomplished through the movements of t e head. .Fur-

. thermore,1if the .di'ierent tubes in each single bank tend to vary in length, due to different temperatures, a slight tilting movement of the floating head is permitted without imposing undue strains upon the apparatus.

lhe charge oil orl other cooling medium `conveniently enters the condenser through an `opening 55 communicating with the chamber 60, as shown in Fig. `4. From this chamber the oil passes `u wardl through ya ortion of the tubes in t e ban 48 and is ischa-rged from the upper end into the closed chamber or passage 26. From this point the oil is directed downwardly through the remainder of` the tubes and the bank 48 into `the next adjacent com artment 62. d in the bank of tubes 46 and in the double bank of tubes 44, the char e oil being finally discharged 'e 64 communicating with the chamber 66, after having been heated to a considerably higher temperature.

. During the passage of the oil'vapor through the condenser, the condensate 1s deposited upon the walls of the tubes and the surfaces of the bailles. This condensate, after it is deposited, runs down the walls of the` tubes and bal'es and is collected in a series of compartments. formed by the partitions 32 in conjunction with intermediate partition walls 70, as indicated clearly in Fig. 1. This condensate, having different boiling points. and different specitic gravities, may be withdrawn from the several collecting compartments through delivery nozzles or openings 7 2. The base member 14, in which the channels are formed, together with the supporting web for thelower ends of the tubes, is

preferably iiiade of cast iron which is only slightly ailected, if atall, by the corrosive laction of the condensed vapor. On the other hand, the tubes themselves must be protected so far as possible from the corrosive action of this condensate, and to this eud the lower ends ofthe tubes are surrounded by a series of elevated pads '80 which project integrally from the web 18 and serve to maintain stagnant condensate in the basins from direct engagement with the lower ends of the tubes.

livery openings 72 is so located with respect to these elevated pads that the liquid level of the .condensate ordinarily is below the upper surface ot' the pads` and' therel is no direct contactof the condensate with the walls o1 the tubes except as the drops of concleaning ofthe collecting basins and passages, and to simplify this operation openings. 75 are located opposite the delivery i 1t will be evident'that the level of the de-' ins opening 72 in such a manner that removal of the plugs 76v permits the basins or compartmentsr to be easily flushed out 'by disconnecting the outlets 7 2. It will be evident plished without disconnecting the tubes or the-upper and lower heads. y

The shell l0 is sui-mounted by a cover casting 90 which is secured thereto through {ianged' connections 92 and 93, and complete- 1y encloses the space within which the floating heads 22 move. It will be observed from an inspection of Fig. 1 that the cover plate, the outer shell and the base member are sealed alon their meeting faces in order that the oi vapor mayv be completely confined therein. the cooling medium in the form vof charge oil to contact directly with the oil vapor, as the chambers or channels formed in the base 14 and through which the oil flows are separated from the vapor passes by the integral web 18 and the passages communicating lll) that the cleaning of these basins is accomyThere is no opportunity for l tubes are enclosed by sealing the cover plates 24 to the complementary portion ofv vthe floating head 22. The complete sepaploy water as the cooling medium, as the cli-- ration of t oil vapor and cooling medium is of considerable. importance in ap aratus of this type, especially if it is desire to emrect contact of the water and oil vaporixnmediately generates steam with a resulting explosion and damage to the apparatus.

^`In the present form of apparatus, it is considered preferable to cool the last bank of tubes by means of water which may enter the tubes through an opening 80 communieating with a channel 82 formed in the base member and be discharged therefrom through an opening194 communicating.with

the next adjacent c annel 96. This cooling feature is employed only afterthe tempera- 'ture-of the oil vapor has been reduced to a temperature which is a proximately the entering temperature of t ie vcharge 01|.

The oil vapor, after completing its 4trav- .erSe of the various vapor passes, is discharged outwardly from the condenser through a nozzle, indicated at 98, which may @cnmunicate with any suitable form of Yvacuum pump, the interior of the condenser bein maintained rat a partial vacuum. The cooling medium, such as the water and charge oil, is pumped through the cooling tubes in anydesired manner. The channels formed in the base member 14 are closed by cover members 100 and 102, which are conil nected `to the lower portion of the base member and are provided with ribs 104, which cooperate with the artitions 32 to close `the channels. .The c osure of the channels in this manner through the employment of removable cover plates permits the opera` tion of the condenser to bev varied by the `substitution of different cover plates having dilerently located ribs in order to cut out certain banks of tubes if so desired. It will be obvious that by substituting for the cover lates shown similar cover plates havin ilerently located ribs, the llow of the coo ing medium ma be diverted and changed in accordance wit varying conditions.

The employment of a lcondenser shell of substantially rectangular form, within which are enclosed al plurality of banks of tubes of similar rectangular form, permitst-he tube units to be varied within practical limits without varying the form of the outer shell'; as, for example the double bank of tubes initially enclosed'by the oil vapor in the illustrated embodiment of the invention might be replaced by two single banks, or

" a Series of4v double banks instead of single banks might be employed. `This Vfeature is of considerable practical importance in oil refining a paratus as it permits an adjustment of e width ofthe oil passes in order to insure va uniform rate of velocity of.

man

the oil vapor. Furthermore the construetion of the condenser by virtue of which se arate, asv desired.

he manner in which the circulation o cooling medium through the interior'of the tubes may be varied is well illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6. AIt will be evident from an ins ection of Figs. 1 and 4 that two separate coo ing mediums are caused to circulate through the diii'erent. banks of tubes, the charge oil being -admitted to the 60 through the inlet 55 andV therea ter circulating progressively through successive banksrof tubes until it is discharged outwardly through the passage 66 and outlet The last bank'of tubes, as shown in these two ligures, may be cooled by water delivered to the passage 82 through the inlet 80, and after circulating through the last bank of tubes being Idischarged through the passage -96 and the outlet 94. By providing different cover members, as indicated at 100 and 102 in Fig; 5, the path of circulation may be varied. In this construction a cooling medium, such as water is first admitted to the passage 82 through the intake 80 and after passing through the last bank ci tubes is discharged through the passa e 96 and outlet 94. The second cooling me ium,

channels formed in the base 14' l assage y such as charge oil, is admitted through the v intake 104 into a passage 106, and after circulatin through successive banks of tubes is disc arged through the passage 66 and outlet 64. It will be evident from an inspection of the drawings that the 'wall of the base member between the depending ribs 32 is provided with a series of openings 108 whlch may be connected with intake and delive pipes or closed by plugs 110. The

rovision of these different openings, in con- ]unction with different cover plates, permits an electivecontrol of the paths of circulation of cooling mediums.

It will be 'understood by those skilled in. the art that one feature of the present invention contemplates means for selectively controlling the cooling eiect of the condenser tubes in such a manner that the character of the resulting condensate may be controlled as desired. This control may be exercised by variation of the path of flow of a single cooling medium orthrough the emlll) ployment of a plurality of cooling medi-` ums with a variation of the path of fiow of-'either or both of the mediums. It is to be understood, therefore, that claims directed to variations of the path of flow of a cooling medium to graduate the condensate are not confined to'the employment of a singlecooling medium.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that'certain features of the present invention -are not limited in their application to oil refining apparatus or to condensing apparatus, and thatthe present invention is intended to cover certain of these features which are peculiarly adapted to embodiment in apparatus of the same general character even though not employed for the specific purposes outlined.

What is claimed is:

1. Refining ap aratus comprising a series oftubes, means fiir'directing-a flow of vapor about the exterior of the tubes, successive and independent condensate basins surrounding the lower ends of groups fof the tubes, and' means for directing a cooling medium through the interior of the tubes de,- signed to permit variation of the path of ow of the medium in order to var the cooling effect and graduate the condensate collected in the-basins.

2. Refining apparatus comprising a series of banks of vertical tubes, means for directing a flow of vapor about the exterior of the tubes, a series of independenty basins surrounding the lower portions of the tubesl and -ada ted to collect condensate, connections wt each of the basins permitting the removal of condensate therefrom, and means for directin cooling mediums through the interior of the tubes designed to provide for variations in the paths of fiow to'vary the cooling effect and in consequence the charaoter of condensatecollected inthe basins.

3. Apparatus for fractionating oil vaporcomprising a series of condenser tubes; means forpassing oil vapor through the spaoe surrounding the exterior ofthe tubes, an

through the interior of the tubes having provision for varying the path of flow of the medium through successive tubes of the series in a manner to control the temperature oftecondensation and graduate the condensa 4. Refining apparatus comprising a luof banks of condenser tubes,"a ase mem r in which the lower ends of the tubes are xnounted-l a series of condensate basins formed .1n e member about the, tubes, a series of ribs' projecting downwardly from the base member to provide a separate channel for each bank o tubes, and a detachable cover memberhaving ribs cooperating, with certain of the depending ribs to direct the ow of a cooling medium or mediums promeans for directing cooling medium' gressively through the different banks of tubes. t 5. Refining apparatus comprising a plurality of vertical tubes, a base member having an integral transverse web in which the lower ends of the tubes are mounted,` an outer wall formed upon the base member and extending substantially above and below the web, a shell enclosing the upper "ends of the tubes and secured to,the uper portion of the wall, a series of condensate basins formedy in the upper portion of the web and surrounding the lower ends of the tubes, and liquid "outlets extending from the separate condensate basins to permit withdrawal of condensate therefrom.

6. Refining apparatus comprising a pluralityof vertical tubes, a lower head casting in which the lower ends of the tubes are mounted, va series of condensate -basins formed in the head casting and surrounding the lower ends of the tubes, 'liquid outlets extending from the condensate basins and adapted to drain condensate therefrom, and a series of openings in the head casting formed opposite the liquid outlets and adapted to provide means for flushing out the condensate basins.

7. Refining apparatus comprising aseries of vertical condenser tubes, a lower head casting having a transverse .web in which the ends of the tubes are mounted. a series of elevated pads formed upon the web and surrounding the(` lower ends of the tubes and partition members to provide a series of condensate' basins, delivery outlets connected with the lowermost portion of each condensate basinfmeans for directing vapor about the exterior of the tubes. and means for passing a cooling medium through the interior of the tubes.

8.. Refining apparatus comprising' a'series of banks of vertical condenser tubes, a single unitary head casting having a transverse web in which the lower ends of all of the tubes are mounted, a series of condensatebasi'ns formed in the upper portion of the' head` casting, independent heads connected to the upper portion 'of each bank of tubes, an enclosing shell lsurrounding the tubes and connected to 'the' head casting, baffle plates secured to the shell and extending between the banksof tubes,A and means for directing the fiow ofa cooling medium through the interior of the tubes.

9. Refining apparatus comprising a series of banks of tubes, a single unitary head in which one end of all ofthe tubes are mount- MII ed, independent heads connected to the op- A posite end of each bank of tubes, an enclosing shell surrounding the tubes and connected withthe unitary head, baille plates Vextending yfrom between the inde vendent heads partially throughoutthe len of the tubes and fromv the opposite ends of the hea tubespartially toward the heads to provide a tortuous vapor passage about the exterior of the tubes, an means for directing the l flow of cooling medium through the interior of the tubes.

' 10. Apparatus for fractionating oil vapor comprising a series of lvertical condenser tubes, means for passing vapor to be condensed through the space surrounding the exterior of the tubes and a vdetachable closure having'partitions thereon to form a series of passa es communicating with the lower open en s of the tubes for directing Ythe flow of cooling medium therethrough,

the closure being adapted to be replaced in a manner to vary the path of flow ofcooling medium through successive tubes and grad-l uate the condensate as desired.

11.` Refining apparatus ,comprising a series of banks of tubes, a unitary head connecting the tubes at one end and having cooling {iuiddirecting-rbs formed thereon, a pluralitl of independent heads connectin the tu es at the opposite ends, and deta able "closure means cooperating with the directing ribs when in place to form liquid passages communicating with the interior' of,l the tubes and to permit selective control of the liquid ypassages to vary the path of flow through theV interior ofthe tubes.

12. Apparatus for fractionating oil vapor com risin a pluralit of condenser tubes, a to'w ich the tu es are secured at one end, means for passing oil va r about the exterior o f the tubes, a plura ity of partitions extending from the head opposite the vapor space, and a detachable closure havirig artitions coop o t e first-mentioned partitions to :forni passages for direetinglcoo'ling medium in a predetermined path t rough the interior of 4 the tubes, the closure being adapted to be of open-ended tubes replaced by another to va the passages and the flow of cooling meld'ium, and thus control the temperatures of fractionation and graduate the condensate as desired.

' '13. Refining alparatus comprising a `tube supporting hea aving a transverse partition, a 1plurality of open-ended tubes extending t thereto, a. plurality of condensate basins formedupon the upper side of the partition, a plurality of liquid* assageways formed upon the under side o the partition communicating with the open ends of the tubes, and a detachable cover plate connected to the supporting head yan adapted to close th assags 1 'Re ing apparatus comprising -a unita head casting having a transverse partition formed integral therewith, a series passing through and vconnected to the partition at one end, 'a head connected to the opposite end of the tubes,

a series ofassages formed in the tube supvthe tubes.

`partition forme erating with a part onlyk 'ries of banks of tubes, a unitary tu rough the partition and connected` isms acollecting basin surrounding the tubes above the transverse partition, means upon the. partition for maintainin liquid condensate out of contact with te tubes, and

70 port upon t e opposite side of the partition and communicating with the open ends of apparatus comprising a tube sqpport having a transverse therein, a scricsof opencnded tubes passing through the partition at their lower ends, a series of separate col- 1 lecting basins formed in the tube support above the plartition, openings communicating with t e basins to permit the withdrawal of li uid therefrom, an enclosing shell surrounding the tubes above the support, means for forming a series of vapor passes about the tubes to keep the vapor'in contact with the exterior of the tubes, and means for directing thev circulation of u cooling agent through the interior of the tubes. f

16. Refining apparatus comprisin a lurality of vertical tubes, a transverse ea in which the lower ends of the tubes are mounted, a shell enclosing `the tubes and connected with the head, a chamber coin-y municatin with the lower ends of the tubes below the ead, a series of condensate basins formed in the ugpcr portion ofthe head and surrounding t e lower ends of the tubes, and liquid outlets communicating with the separate condensate basins to permit comlon lete withdrawal of condensate therefrom. 17. Apparatus for p, fractionating oil vapor,compri sing a series of banks of condenser tubes, means forV passing oil vapor through the space surrounding the exterior 105 of the tubes, means for selectively controlling-the coolin effect of the tubes, and means for wit drawing condensate from the lowermost ortion of the space surf rounding the tu es.

18. Refining apparatus comprising 15. Refining unitary 75 110 a see sup` the tubes at one end, a series of cooling lui directing ribs at the under side of the su port, a plurality of independ- |15 ent Heating eads connecting the tubes at the opposite ends, a shell enclosing the tubes, bams plates connected to the shell and ex port connectin -tending lenthwise of the tubes from bepermit sliding 'ien tween the eating heads to movement of the iioating eads relative thereto, and a detachable closure cooperating with the directing ribs to provide liquid asf' sags'communicating with the interior o the t 19. Retiningbapparatus com .rising a series of banks of tu es, means for irecting a ow l of vapor through a series of passes about the exterior of the tu means for separately and withdrawing a series of conno densates from' about the lower ends of. the tubes, and means for directing a cooling m`edium through the interior of cach bank'of rality of tubes, a tube support in which the'.

lower ends of all of the tubes are mounted, a condensate basin formed above the tube support and surrounding the lower ends ot the tubes, a liquid outlet con'nnunicating with the basin and adapted; to remove condensate therefrom, an opening communicating with the basin and designed to provide for the' flushing out of the basin in conjunction with" the outlet, and means below the tube support for directing the flow ot cooling medium throu h the interior of the tubes.

21. eining apparatus comprising a series of banks of vertical condenser tubes, a transverse tube support in which the lower ends of thetubes are mounted, a series of condensate basins surrounding the lower ends of the tubes above thel support, independent heads connected to the upper portion of each bank of tubes, an encloslng shell surrounding the tubes and connected with the support, bafle plates connected to the shell and extending between the banks of tubes, and means below the tube support for'directing the flow the tubes.

22. Refining apparatus comprising a tube support formn a transverse partition, a se-- ries of open-en ed tubes passing through and connected to the partition, a head connected t0 the opposite end of the tubes, a collecting basin, surrounding the lower ends of the tubes above the partition, means upon the partition for removing liquid .condensate from contact with the lower ends of the tubes, and a series of passages formed at the under side of the partition and communicating with the open ends of the tubes for directng the flow of cooling medium therethrough. e

23. Refining apparatus comprising a tube support forming `a transverse partit-ion, a series of open-ended tubes passing through and connected to the support, a head connected to the opposite endsof the tubes, means for withdrawing liquid condensate from about the lower ends 'of the tubes above the partition, means for maintaining stagnant condensate from contact with the lower ends of thetubes, and means at the under side of the partition for directing the flow of cooling medium through the interior of the tubes.

24. Refining a paratus comprising a series of banks of cond supporting the tubes atvone `end, a plurality of lndependent floating heads connected to the tubes at the opposite ends, a'shell enclos ing the tubes, and a partition member extending longitudinally of the tubes and between adjacent fioating heads to direct the vapor about the exterior of the tubes.

CHARLES H. LEACH.

enser tubes, a member for- 

